Plans have been lodged for a major expansion of short-stay accommodation in Mildura, with dozens of new units proposed for the existing Aarinda Holiday Apartments site in Elizabeth Avenue.
The planning application for 2–6 Elizabeth Avenue proposes a substantial redevelopment of the approximately 6,864-square-metre property, including two new two-storey accommodation buildings.
The development is proposed as privately operated short-stay accommodation and is currently before Mildura Rural City Council as a planning application.
Council's role is as the planning authority assessing the proposal — the development is not proposed to be Council-owned or operated.
Dozens of new accommodation units
The plans propose 54 new accommodation units together with a reception area and an on-site manager's residence.
Two existing buildings containing another six accommodation units would remain as part of the redevelopment.
If approved and completed as proposed, the Elizabeth Avenue site could therefore provide around 60 guest accommodation units.
Each of the new units would include at least one separate bedroom, bathroom, European laundry, kitchenette and an open-plan dining and living area.
The proposed buildings would be two storeys high, with the planning documents describing a contemporary design incorporating balconies, large glazed areas, metal screening, stone and other external finishes.
Not just aimed at holidaymakers
One of the more interesting aspects of the proposal is who the accommodation is expected to cater for.
The planning documents say the short-stay units would primarily accommodate business travellers, visiting professionals, medical practitioners, training pilots and contractors undertaking temporary work in the Mildura region.
Although individual units could accommodate up to two people, the applicant expects many would be occupied by single guests.
The application also anticipates a number of guests arriving in Mildura on commercial flights before using airport transfers, taxis, rideshare services or hire vehicles during their stay.
Pool and recreation area would remain
The existing swimming pool and recreation area would be retained and refurbished for use by guests staying in both the existing and proposed accommodation.
New communal areas, garden beds, pedestrian paths and extensive landscaping are also proposed throughout the property.
The development would include 61 on-site car parking spaces, including accessible parking.
Vehicle access would be from Elizabeth Avenue through two access points, with a central two-way internal accessway servicing the accommodation and parking areas.
The applicant argues the proposed number of parking spaces would be sufficient partly because many of the expected guests would fly into Mildura rather than arrive in their own vehicle.
Changes to existing trees
The redevelopment would require the removal of four existing canopy trees.
Three are dealt with through other provisions of the planning assessment, while one boundary canopy tree specifically triggers a planning permit requirement.
The plans propose retaining other existing canopy trees and undertaking significant new planting throughout the development.
According to the planning assessment, the combination of retained and proposed trees would result in an overall tree canopy coverage of just over 20 per cent across the site.
Applicant points to tourism and economic benefits
The planning report argues the development would help increase Mildura's supply of quality short-stay accommodation and support the region's broader economy and tourism industry.
It also points to Mildura planning policy that recognises the need to provide accommodation for seasonal workers and visitors.
While the Elizabeth Avenue proposal isn't described as traditional budget accommodation, the applicant argues it would help meet demand from people travelling to Mildura for business, professional work and other short stays.
The proposal's location is also highlighted, with the property about 70 metres from Fifteenth Street and close to commercial services and major road connections.
Still a proposal
The planning application was received by Mildura Rural City Council on 20 August 2026 and is going through the planning process.
The development has not yet been approved.
If it does proceed, however, it would represent a significant expansion of the existing Aarinda Holiday Apartments and add dozens of new short-stay accommodation units to Mildura.
